The SU-85 (incidentally, "SU" stands for Samokhodnaya Ustanovka, Russian for "self-propelled carriage") was a dedicated tank destroyer based on the chassis of the famous T-34 tank. The SU-85 was introduced in order to counter heavier German tanks like the Tiger I, and essentially it involved modifying the SU-122 assault gun into a tank destroyer by mounting a high-velocity 85mm D-5T antitank gun. The SU-85 first saw combat in August 1943, while the improved SU-85M was introduced later. The SU-85M was based on the larger hull of the SU-100, which allowed the tank destroyer to carry 60 ammo rounds instead of the usual 48. The SU-85M also featured the same all-round vision commander's cupola of the T-34/85.

Dragon has produced a brilliant 1/72 scale model kit of the SU-85M, its first ever. Appropriate to the SU-85M, it has a brand new mantlet, gun shield and fighting compartment. The overall form and details of this Russian tank destroyer have been accurately reproduced to scale. Not only is the model accurate, but it is easy to assemble with the inclusion of items like one-piece DS track links. Production of the SU-85 ceased in late 1944 when it was superseded by the SU-100 armed with a more powerful 100mm D-10S gun. Now Dragon offers both these Red Army weapon systems so that modelers can carry out counteroffensive operations!